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Posted by: Asa Don Brown on August 16, 2011 8:36 am

What are the effects of verbal abuse on children? How am I defining verbal abuse? Verbal abuse is any aggressive behavior that occurs through human communication. Such behaviors include: belittling, swearing, name-calling, negatively criticizing, threatening, ordering, and the undermining of a person’s integrity. The intent of verbal abuse is often to prove rude, offensive, disparaging, defamatory, slanderous, and scornful. It’s overall intent is often to degrade the soul and mind of the individual to such a degree that they are without an ability to retaliate.

As a therapist, I have heard all types of excuses why verbal abuse is acceptable. Parents have tried blaming their child’s behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions as being the catalyst of their own negative behavior. It is not uncommon to witness a parent deflect, but it is rare to hear a defensive parent accept responsibility. Moreover, we all know that many parental behaviors are learned behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions. Parents have learned from watching and witnessing their own parents, teachers, and others who played a significant roles in their life.

For many parents, they have described their breaking point as being driven over-the-edge. Does your child really have an ability to drive you over-the-edge? Or, are you allowing their behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions to influence your own behavior? Are you not the adult in this scenario? Why are you allowing your child’s behaviors to modify what you know to be the correct type of behavior? Why are you allowing your child to drive you to the edge?

As parents, we are the adults. We are accountable to our children to ensure that they are raised in an environment that is safe, caring, nurturing, and filled with an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance and self-regard. Why then, do we allow ourselves to get so entrenched in the negative behaviors that we would consider verbally harming our children?

Maybe your way of coping is to lash out. Perhaps you were raised in a home that verbal abuse was a norm. If so, then you have a challenge ahead of you. It is prudent that you curtail your previously known way of verbal discipline or correction, while adapting a sutler way that is positively influential.

In my professional, as well as, my personal opinion; I unequivocally believe that verbal abuse is a criminal act. If I were to intentionally punch my wife, I would be facing an assortment of criminal charges. However, if I were to disparage my wife with the intent to cause emotional harm, it is seldom that I would face any formable charges. Moreover, if I were to use the same tactics in the presence or towards my child, there would be no greater ramifications. Why is it that physical abuse is stomped out like a wild blaze, but the very act of verbal hostility is overlooked?

As a practitioner, I don’t believe in comparing and contrasting abuse, because there are no benefits in saying that verbal abuse has a greater impact than that of physical abuse.

In my opinion, abuse is defined by the intent. If I intended on causing harm unto someone, then my character has proven to be reprehensible. The way with which we speak unto our children, can prove a verbal shield protecting them from possible projectiles aimed at them in the future; or it can prove a verbal slap causing their very person to decay beneath our verbal hostilities.

Consider the following imagery: you are your child. You have a parent that is obviously upset over your behaviors. Would you want your parent to call you names, disparage your person, and belittle your future? Or, would you want your parent to calmly and collectively approach the situation discussing the issue on hand?

You might be saying, it is unrealistic to expect that a parent remain calm. What if you were standing before a judge for some criminal act? What if that judge decided to call you names, belittle you, and disparage you as a person? In most cases, you wouldn’t stand for it; and you would probably not only ask for a change of venue, but would probably consider filing a civil suit. Why then, is it right for a parent who’s role is not only that of a judge but of a consoler, to cause intentional harm?

Are you not raising a maturing adult? Does your child not deserve the same respect that you may desire? Children are not only deserving of respect, but of a style of parenting that is unconditionally accepting. Parents are often pushed to the brink when they themselves are without resourceful tools to cope, manage, or deal with their child’s needs, temperament, and personality. It is important that parents seek sound advice when they no longer have productive resources in their tool belt.

What are some of the effects of verbal abuse? A child may develop a low self-esteem, self-image, perception or worldview. The child may act out the negative and aggressive behaviors received from their parents. They may be using substances, alcohol, and illegal narcotics to dull the emotional pain associated with their personal abuse. For many children, research has shown a correlation between verbal and emotional abuse and many antisocial rooted behaviors. Sadly, for some children, the pain is too much and they turn to self-mutilation to dull their emotional scars and pain.

As a parent, don’t you want your child to positively thrive? Haven’t you had dreams that your child would live a life filled with unconditional parameters including love, joy, peace, and happiness? If so, it begins within you. You are the parent and you can make a tremendous difference not only in the life of your child, but in the life of each person they encounter. Furthermore, you can prove a beacon of hope, encouragement, and security. When your child makes mistakes, fails, or disobeys, remind them that they are loved; they are worthy; they are beautiful; and they are intelligent. Your child needs you to be their ally and advocate. They need you to be a positive parent and an influential friend.

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

Great article Asa, I used to work as a school counselor and faced many of the points you brought up here where parents ‘blame’ their kids for what clearly is their ‘stuff’ – to the point i wld really wonder who was more the child n who the adult in many cases.:) Would love to link this article of yrs on my blog and website, if its ok with you? Peace Khursheed

I know the effects of verbal abuse. As an adult, I struggle with the negative thinking and relating patterns I experienced growing up. It is not easy to behave differently even knowing better ! Those thought patterns have become entrenched and the brain cells get entrained so that once an abusive sequence begins, it is not easy to derail it. I try to avoid situations that start the chain reaction, but that isn’t always possible. In my experience, the best way to deal with these effects is to inoculate my self on a daily basis : Exercise, Affirmations, Breathwork and gratitude – every day whether I need it or not lol. I don’t really see the value until I don’t do these for awhile – tensions and an explosion are the eventual results of negelcting these simple rituals.

First of all, I am appreciative of your time, feedback, and willingness to share. I agree with you “the best way to deal with these effects is to inoculate my self on a daily basis : Exercise, Affirmations, Breathwork and gratitude.” Likewise, I also feel that we can come to a place of peace and unconditional love of ourselves, because this is what someone that has intentionally or unintentionally harmed us does not want. So, I offer this bit of personal experience, forgiveness and love of self goes a long ways. By the way, forgiveness does not mean acceptance of wrongs, rather it means we want to move forward from the wrongs of the past. It means that we don’t need to carry around the burden brought about by another, and it means that we can live a life beyond the harm we’ve been exposed too. I do hope that these words prove positively beneficial.

I am sincerely appreciative of your very warm remarks. I agree that children are yearning for a “voice of protection.” As professionals, we are a fragment of that voice. My hopes are that others outside the professional community will also become advocates for children who are being abused. I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child.

This article was insightful and speaks for the silent children who yearn for the “voice” of protection. The theoretical and practical wisdom in this piece alerts parents to understanding the impact of words. This article and articles like it are needed. Thanks,

I wholeheartedly agree with your take on the impact of abuse. We do not have to prove victims, rather, we can learn to become an overcomer. Your take on childhood abuse and it’s affect on the workplace environment is one that intrigues me. I would be interested in reading more on this subject matter, and how abuse influences the workplace environment. It is interesting how the HR world overlaps the field of psychology, and I sincerely appreciate this perspective.

As a retired global human resources executive, I’ve experienced the outcome of childhood abuse in the workforce. The early years of a child’s life have a major impact on the success/failure of people as they enter the business world. Those who are successful most often grew up in families where the parents were positive role models or they had a positive life changing experience early on in life through a great leader. Through employee development programs and/or psychological counseling, I’ve found that it is never too late to put the affects of early childhood verbal abuse behind oneself and move forward with a positive, successful, and rewarding life.

Wow! It is amazing that no matter how old I get, I can always learn something new about myself and those around me! As a grandparent now raising a teenage granddaughter, this will be very helpful in my challenges. Although I don’t believe that I am at all verbally abusive, there are nuggets of wisdom in this article that I will definitely utilize! What I gleaned from this information is that I need to look at my granddaughter as I look at my clients. To be helpful – to share the knowledge that I have to assist in their welfare and in their decision making issues. It should be no different in helping her to make the right choices for her life…by equipping her with the proper tools so that the decisions she chooses will be positive and life changing for her future. Once again, thank you Dr. Brown. Adele

I am sincerely appreciative of your valuable time and remarks. I would like commend you on taking the task of raising your grandchild. If everyone would consider showing respect to those they encounter (including family), the world would be a better place.

Thank you again Dr. Brown for your insightful words. It is amazing how powerful and strong the spoken word can be. A few words spoken out of anger and frustration can wound a child to her core. A few words of love, support and praise can build self esteem, self pride and self worth. We all need to spread more words of love and praise and we will be building a brighter future for everyone.